Williamsburg, KY – Patriots Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Kelly Buikus has bolstered his coaching staff with the addition of Assistant Coach Erin Bryant.  Bryant was a standout defender for the Patriots and began her coaching career at the high school level.
 
"I'm excited to bring Erin back to the program this time as an assistant coach. Erin has a love for UC and this lacrosse program specifically and her knowledge and guidance, especially on the defensive side of the ball will challenge our players," said Coach Buikus. "I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together to bring this program to new levels."
 
Prior to returning to UC, Bryant served as the Head Coach at Miamisburg High School, in Dayton, OH for two years.  In that role she oversaw all aspects of the women's lacrosse program.  Additionally, Bryant was a coach at Velocity, a travel ball club based out of Cincinnati, OH.
 
"I am incredibly blessed and thankful to God and Coach Buikus for giving me the opportunity to come back to UC as an assistant coach," said Bryant. "This place truly has become my home. I love being back in the Burg, being around the people who have meant so much to me and having the opportunity to give back to a university that has given me so much."

In addition to coaching, Bryant worked as a Flexologist at StretchLab, where she worked one-on-one with clients to improve their flexibility, mobility, and overall movement.

Bryant was a key defender for the Patriots playing in 48 games, starting 44 of them.  She notched 46 ground balls to go along with 45 caused turnovers during her three years at UC.  Bryant was an AAC Second Team All-Conference defender in 2023.
 
The Patriots are coming off a 20-2 record a year ago and will kickoff the 2027 campaign in February.
 
For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, Youtube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands.